Tag: DC4

Los Angeles’ hard rock heroes will be taking their “American Megarock Show” on the road for a quick run through the American Southwest from August 23 – August 26 with shows in Nevada and Arizona. ” We haven’t been to Arizona in a while so we are looking forward to killing it out there!” says drummer Shawn Duncan. “We’ve been getting a lot of offers out of California lately so needless to say we are really looking forward to this little adventure and what can be better than starting out in Las Vegas?!”Supporting their Metal Blade Records debut, Electric Ministry, the band will be featuring songs from all three of their releases. The dates are:

Aug. 23 – Las Vegas, NV – Vamp’d

Aug. 24 – Phoenix, AZ – Rip’s

Aug. 25 – Prescott, AZ – The Drunken Lass

DC4 guitarist, Rowan Robertson will not be joining the band on this run as he has a prior commitment to fulfill with Billy Ray Cyrus. Taking his spot for these dates will be the band’s friend and respected session guitarist, Omar Gusmao. Robertson says, “I’m going to be doing some shows with Billy Ray Cyrus in 2013 and, as it turns out, he scheduled some warm up shows for the end of August. This of course means, and I hope everyone will understand, that this leaves me unavailable for the shows in Nevada and Arizona. It’s a shame as I was looking forward to it but I do have to fulfill my obligation with Billy.”

Rowan remains in DC4 and will join the band on future dates. They are currently writing for their Metal Blade sophomore effort.

Veteran guitarist, Rowan Robertson has joined the ESP Guitars family of artists, including, Metallica’s James Hetfield, Children Of Bodom’s Alex Laiho, Pepper Keenan from Down and his own bandmate Jeff Duncan. Rowan was introduced to ESP by Jeff Duncan while recording DC4‘s new CD Electric Ministry.

“One of his guitars was in the studio and I picked it up – I was instantly hooked”, Robertson says. “Aside from the great quality of the instrument and the playability, the ESP staff are great people. What’s not to love? I’m thrilled to be accepted into the family!”

L.A. Hard Rockers DC4 are all pumped up for the release of their latest ass-kicking record Electric Ministry! Electric Ministry will be released on CD via Metal Blade Records in Europe on July, 29 (G/A/S), August, 1 (rest of Europe)!

In collaboration with Metal Blade Records DC4 have launched a landing page where you can check out pre-order options and listen to XXX, the first single taken off the new album Electric Ministry! Please surf over to http://www.metalblade.com/dc4 to check it out!

“Welcome to the alter of conviction” snarls DC4 frontman and guitarist Jeff Duncan as the band launches into the title track from their fourth release, Electric Ministry. Tackling subjects such as being on the wrong side of Johnny Law (“25 To Life”), the ultimate male specimen (“Rock God”) and the pleasures of the flesh (“XXX”) the quartet blast through eleven tracks on the opus produded by Bill Metoyer and co-produced by Jeff Duncan.

Metoyer, who has worked with the likes of Armored Saint, Fates Warning, WASP and Slayer amongst countless other bands, is basically a member of the DC4 family. “I first met Bill when he engineered Armored Saint’s ‘Revelation’ album,” says Jeff. “Before long he started showing up at DC4 shows, checking us out. And he kept showing up more and more, it kind of became more than just showing up to see your friend play, ya know? So, we started talking and when the opportunity came up for us to work together he just jumped on board.”

“We made a point of making Electric Ministry a real guitar album. Back to our roots as guitarists.” says Rowan Robertson. “I think on our last album ‘Explode’ we still had a bit of that 90’s feel in us so we’ve gotten rid of that now.”

”This was the first time we had any special guests appear on a DC4 album,” relates, Jeff. “We had Dizzy Reed from Guns N Roses provide keys on the songs “Dirty Hands” and “The Ballad Of Rock and Roll”, Gonzo from Armored Saint played percussion on several tracks, also. Then we had our cousin, Erin Duncan, do backing vocals on ‘The Ballad Of Rock´n´Roll’ and Juliette Primrose (Michael Flatley’s Lord Of The Dance) played violin on “The Ballad Of Rock and Roll” as well.”

L.A. Hard Rockers DC4 are all pumped up for the release of their latest ass-kicking record Electric Ministry! Electric Ministry will be released on CD via Metal Blade Records in Europe on July, 29 (G/A/S), August, 1 (rest of Europe)!

“Welcome to the alter of conviction” snarls DC4 frontman and guitarist Jeff Duncan as the band launches into the title track from their fourth release, Electric Ministry. Tackling subjects such as being on the wrong side of Johnny Law (“25 To Life”), the ultimate male specimen (“Rock God”) and the pleasures of the flesh (“XXX”) the quartet blast through eleven tracks on the opus produded by Bill Metoyer and co-produced by Jeff Duncan.

Metoyer, who has worked with the likes of Armored Saint, Fates Warning, WASP and Slayer amongst countless other bands, is basically a member of the DC4 family. “I first met Bill when he engineered Armored Saint’s ‘Revelation’ album,” says Jeff. “Before long he started showing up at DC4 shows, checking us out. And he kept showing up more and more, it kind of became more than just showing up to see your friend play, ya know? So, we started talking and when the opportunity came up for us to work together he just jumped on board.”

“We made a point of making Electric Ministry a real guitar album. Back to our roots as guitarists.” says Rowan Robertson. “I think on our last album ‘Explode’ we still had a bit of that 90’s feel in us so we’ve gotten rid of that now.”

“This was the first time we had any special guests appear on a DC4 album,” relates, Jeff. “We had Dizzy Reed from Guns N Roses provide keys on the songs “Dirty Hands” and “The Ballad Of Rock and Roll”, Gonzo from Armored Saint played percussion on several tracks, also. Then we had our cousin, Erin Duncan, do backing vocals on ‘The Ballad Of Rock’n’Roll’ and Juliette Primrose (Michael Flatley’s Lord Of The Dance) played violin on “The Ballad Of Rock and Roll” as well.”

Forming as the 21st Century became a reality DC4 came to be when Jeff Duncan met Rowan Robertson, the band’s musical pedigree is virtually unrivaled by their peers. “Jeff and I met when a local promoter named Happenin’ Harry asked us both to be in his backing back for a few shows in the LA area and in Chicago,” relates Robertson. “When we got back to LA he just flat out asked if I wanted to join DC4 and we got along so well and played so great together that I just had to do it.”

Jeff recalls that “I wasn’t into the whole idea of auditioning guitarists, We would know the right one when he came long and that’s exactly what happened. He was looking for the sort of situation we had to offer and as it turned out, we were looking for him!”

Having spent time in such bands as the legendary Dio, metal heroes Armored Saint, the short lived Violet’s Demise and Odin, a band who had reached cult status by the end of the 1980’s without ever leaving Hollywood, DC4 is much more than just your average hard rock act.

Forming as the 21st Century became a reality DC4 came to be when Jeff Duncan met Rowan Robertson, the band’s musical pedigree is virtually unrivaled by their peers. “Jeff and I met when a local promoter named Happenin’ Harry asked us both to be in his backing back for a few shows in the LA area and in Chicago,” relates Robertson. “When we got back to LA he just flat out asked if I wanted to join DC4 and we got along so well and played so great together that I just had to do it.”

Jeff recalls that “I wasn’t into the whole idea of auditioning guitarists, We would know the right one when he came long and that’s exactly what happened. He was looking for the sort of situation we had to offer and as it turned out, we were looking for him!”

Having spent time in such bands as the legendary Dio, metal heroes Armored Saint, the short lived Violet’s Demise and Odin, a band who had reached cult status by the end of the 1980’s without ever leaving Hollywood, DC4 is much more than just your average hard rock act.

The band members of DC4 comment on the signing to Metal Blade as follows:

“Its an honor to be on Metal Blade records! I feel that we made a very honest and powerful record and to have it released by a label that shares our love for hard music is a blessing!” Rowan Robertson

”I am thrilled and honored beyond belief! I have been in the Metal Blade family as a member of Armored Saint for most of my career so to have DC4 welcomed into the fold is about as good as it gets!” Jeff Duncan

DC4, the Los Angeles-based hard rock band featuring Rowan Robertson (ex-Dio) along with brothers Jeff Duncan (Armored Saint, Odin) on lead vocals and guitar, Shawn Duncan (Odin) on drums and Matt Duncan on bass, have a lot on their plate right now. Here is the latest and greatest.

First and foremost, DC4 is involved in a competition with over 300 other bands to open for KISS in Chicago on September 3rd. The ultimate decision on which band will open for them will be determined by KISS themselves, but fans can influence the decision by voting for who they’d like to see. Voting will end sometime next week and KISS will select a band from the top 5 vote-getters. Currently DC4 are in the top 5, but have spent a lot of time on top until recently. YOU can help them rise back to the top by investing a mere two minutes of your time. Vote for them by visiting the Eventful website and registering. Click on the tab that says “Demand It” on the line for DC4 and then enter your information. When asked to enter a zip code for where you’d like DC4 play, enter “60477”. That is the zip code for the venue where KISS will be playing. It’s THAT easy. And just so you know, I personally did this a few weeks back and no, I did not get inundated with spam… so no worries there. Just vote!

Also, DC4 entered the studio to record a new album in December and recently finished recording. Mixing of the new album, tentatively titled “Electric Ministry”, will begin on Tuesday. The album is being produced by legendary producer Bill Metoyer, who has worked on classic metal albums by bands such as Slayer, W.A.S.P., Armored Saint, Corrosion Of Conformity, D.R.I. and Fates Warning.

And finally, Rowan Robertson is featured in Classic Rock magazine’s 2010 summer edition. The issue pays tribute to the great Ronnie James Dio, documenting his early years up through Heaven & Hell with commentary from the musicians who knew him well. As Rowan joined the band Dio in 1989 as a teenager, his comments are also included in the tribute. The issue is available now. For details, visit the Classic Rock magazine website.

You can also read Joey Vera’s comments on the great Ronnie James Dio in this blog:

All music and Vocals are done! Drums, Bass, Rhythm Guitars and Lead Guitars and any and all overdubs are now Complete! Our good friend Dizzy Reed Came in and laid down some awesome keyboard parts that he wrote for 2 tracks.
LET THE MIXING BEGIN!

We will be announcing CD title and song list shortly. We have some label interest and will be taking this to a few others.

Bill Metoyer has captured a killer “Live” sound for us and we couldn’t be happier with these 11 songs!

In other news:
DC4 has been in FIRST PLACE in the battle to open for KISS in Chicago for 3 weeks straight!! But we have to stay there!! PLEASE Get your friends to vote! SHARE THIS BLOG AND WE PROMISE TO KICK SOME MAJOR ASS AND REPRESENT YOUR VOTE WITH PRIDE!!! JUST CLICK THE LINK TO VOTE.

As a token of appreciation for their fans, DC4 is offering FREE FAN EXCLUSIVE DOWNLOADS on their REVERBNATION page.

It’s simple! If you are not already registered as a fan on DC4’s REVERBNATION page, just visit their page, click on the FAN EXCLUSIVE songs, and you will be able to download them for FREE after you have been prompted to become a fan. If you already are a fan on their REVERBNATION page, you can download the FREE FAN EXCLUSIVE SONGS now!

With some of the most impressive hard rock credits behind their name, DC4 is comprised of Rowan Robertson (guitars), Jeff Duncan (guitars/lead vox), Matt Duncan (bass, backing vox), and Shawn Duncan (drums). Past and present associations of individual band members include Dio, Armored Saint, & Odin (among other notable major and independent label recording artists).

DC4 Released Their Latest Album EXPLODE On Chavis Records In January, 2009. The Album Contains 10 High Octane Songs. Including Radio Favorites God Complex and Candy Caine.

DC4 Just recently performed to a SOLD OUT crowd at the Key Club in Hollywood, Ca.for their record release party in support of Explode. DC4 is lined up for many shows and festivals in 2009. Next up is Texas Rockfest in Austin, TX. on 03/20 and 03/21.

CHAVIS RECORDS recording artists ASPHALT VALENTINE and DC4 have been confirmed to play SXSW 2009 in Austin, TX. Each band will be performing on the outdoor stage located at 7th and Neches St in downtown Austin.

DC4 will be performing on Friday March 20th at 7:30pm and ASPHALT VALENTINE will be performing on Saturday March 21st at 11:30pm.

DC4 will also perform on a separate show in support of Jet Black Stare (Island Records) on Sunday March 22nd at The Scout Bar in Houston, TX..

EXPLODE by DC4 is now available and ready to ship. STRIP ROCK ROLL by ASPHALT VALENTINE is available for preorder and will ship Monday February 16th. Click to Purchase

DC4 has been added to the KEEL Debut Reunion show taking place in Hollywood, CA on Saturday, January 31, 2009. The show is being held at Club Vodka at The Knitting Factory. Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 day of show.

2009 will mark the return of one of metal’s pioneering and iconic acts, KEEL. Two decades have passed since the original line up has shared the stage and none of the members have performed together on stage as KEEL since 1989. DC4 is elated to part of this epic event. Members of DC4 shared the stage with KEEL “back in the day” and are proud to do it once again.

EXPLODE, the latest effort from DC4 featuringJeff Duncan (Armored Saint, Odin), Shawn Duncan (Odin), Matt Duncan, and Rowan Robertson (Dio) streets January 27th. A CD Release Party is set for February 28th at The Key Club, 9039 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA. The night will host a great lineup of special guests performing such as Mandy Lion of WWIII, Warrior, Mad Temple, Thunder City Shout, and Faded Sun. Doors at 7PM, Show starts at 8PM. Buy a ticket and get a copy of the new CD EXPLODE and a chance to win an ESP Guitar.

Rowan Robertson will be at The Spectraflex Booth @ 3PM Thursday Jan 15thJeff Duncan will be at The Krank Booth TBAJeff Duncan and Rowan Robertson will be at The Krank Booth TBAJeff Duncan and Phil Sandavol will be at The Krank Booth TBA

DC4 vocalist/guitarist Jeff Duncan recently cut guitar tracks for a new ‘Dizzy Reed’ solo project. Jeff performs on the track ‘Mother Theresa’. Many know the name ‘Dizzy Reed’ as the keyboardist for ‘Guns & Roses’ and his super group ‘Hooker’s N Blow’. It was recently announced that the long awaited Gn’R release, ‘Chinese Democracy’, will see a release on November 23rd through an exclusive deal with Best Buy.

Jeff Duncan is a current member of ‘Armored Saint’ and a founding member of ‘Odin and DC4’. Jeff Duncan is an exceptional guitar player who also showcases his vocal talent as the frontman for DC4. As previously mentioned, DC4 signed on with Chavis Records for the release of ‘EXPLODE’. The released has been pushed back to January 2009. “We all decided that we wanted to add a little more substance to the official release. We are finishing up a video shoot as well as heading back into the studio to record a few new ‘bonus tracks’.” says Jeff.

DC4 lead guitarist Rowan Robertson has laid down guitar tracks for the new movie ‘Dirty Step Upstage’ written and directed by Amber Moelter. ‘Dirty Step Upstage’ is targeted for the upcoming Sundance and Cannes Film Festivals. Rowan is currently in the U.K. filming a video for the movie.

Rowan Robertson is a former member of Dio and performed on the ‘Lock Up The Wolves’ release. Rowan has since went on to lend his guitar talents to various projects over the years and joined DC4 as a full member in 2005. Rowan Robertson is a tremendous talent and his ‘fiery’ guitar work is showcased on the upcoming official release from DC4 titled, ‘EXPLODE’. As previously mentioned, DC4 signed on with Chavis Records for the release of ‘EXPLODE’ in October.

Plans are currently in the works for an ‘EXPLODE’CD Release Party as well as a tour to support.

CHAVIS RECORDS is thrilled to announce the signing of DC4 featuring Jeff Duncan (Armored Saint, Odin), Rowan Robertson (Dio), Shawn Duncan (Odin), and Matt Duncan. EXPLODE, the latest effort from DC4 saw a very limited release by the band earlier this year and now with an all new package design, and new artwork on the inside, will see a full scale release later this year. EXPLODE was produced by Joey Vera (Armored Saint, Fates Warning).

DC4 is Jeff on vocals and guitar, Rowan on guitar, Matt on bass/vocals and Shawn on drums.

Jeff Duncan and Shawn Duncan of Odin fame and notable for their appearances in The Decline Of Western Civilization – The Metal Years, formed DC4 with brother Matt Duncan in 1995 and released their debut E.P. Mood Swings produced by Joe Floyd (Bruce Dickinson, Warrior). In 2001 DC4 released Volume One which was produced by Joey Vera (Armored Saint, Fates Warning). With Rowan Robertson most notably for his dynamic guitar wizardry on Dio’s ‘Lock Up The Wolves’, joining the ranks in 2006, DC4 is now a combustible powerhouse of modern classic hard rock standing on its own with a definitive and uncompromised sound showcasing the highly skilled musical talent and song writing of the members that is DC4.

Plans are in the works for DC4 to hit the road in support of EXPLODE and additional details on the release date will soon be announced.

CHAVIS RECORDS is thrilled to announce that DC4 has been added to the Tri-Label Stage (South) at ROCKLAHOMA 2008. DC4 will be performing on Sunday July 13th, 2008. DC4 recently signed with CHAVIS RECORDS for the official issue of Explode the latest effort from the band featuring Jeff Duncan (Armored Saint, Odin), Shawn Duncan (Odin), Matt Duncan, and Rowan Robertson (Dio).

CHAVIS RECORDS is proud to be a sponsor of this years ROCKLAHOMA event and a partner in the Tri-Label Group Stage (South).

Over 100 bands will be performing on three giant stages over the five days. ROCKLAHOMA’s 2008 lineup on the Main Stage is currently as follows: Wednesday July 9th: RATT, JACKYL, ALL STAR FANTASY CAMP, FIREHOUSE, ROCK AND ROLL FANTASY CAMP JAM

Thursday, July 10th: (Pre Party for those who have bought three day tickets) BRET MICHAELS, SEBASTIAN BACH, DOKKEN, L.A. GUNS featuring Tracii Guns, ENUFF Z’ NUFF, VAIN, HOUSE OF LORDS and JETBOY.

It has been a long time since I have heard any new music featuring Rowan Robertson on guitar. If that name seems familiar, it should. Rowan was the 17 year old wunderkind that Ronnie James Dio brought in to play on his album, Lock Up The Wolves. I enjoyed that disc, so when I found out that the brothers Duncan (Jeff, Shawn and Matt) tabbed Rowan to join them in DC4, I had to give their sophomore effort, Explode a spin.

Jeff Duncan who handles the lead vocals in DC4, also doubles as a guitarist in the metal band Armored Saint. I can definitely hear John Bush’s influence on Jeff Duncan’s Style. Duncan doesn’t quite have the range of Bush, but he is a very solid vocalist. DC4 isn’t quite as heavy as Armored Saint, but they are decent enough!

Explode is a solid slab of 80’s style metal, but it is not without its problems. The music on Explode is a little repetitious at times, and was mixed with the bass being a little too heavy, and the guitars a little too downplayed.When the guitars of Jeff Duncan and Rowan Robertson are allowed to shine, they usually do. I was hoping to hear more songs with some good guitar solos built in, and there are not enough of them on this record.

My favorite cuts on this disc are the title track, Explode, God Complex and Long Hard Road to Lost. After several listens, the song Candy Cane really got in my head, and Experiment started growing on me quite a bit.

You won’t find anything new musically with Explode, but if you are looking for a new disc to rock out with, this should get it done for you.